Janet Trautwein, NAHU executive vice president and CEO, will speak at the Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters 2022 Symposium at the Pasadena Convention Center April 26. Register to attend here. More info at LAAHU.org.
Do you have an event coming up? Don’t forget to keep us posted so we can share: editor@calbrokermag.com
HEALTH
Open for Business: The Optum Store
Here’s some great info for your clients who have UnitedHealthcare medical insurance. The insurer operates an online Optum Store, which is part of UnitedHealth Group’s investment in creating digital health solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations. The online marketplace offers a simple way to find, compare and select hundreds of over-the-counter health products and prescriptions, as well as health and wellness services.
Now the Optum Store accepts eligible UnitedHealthcare medical plans or Optum Rx pharmacy insurance as a payment option. UnitedHealth Group team members and consumers across the U.S. in eligible plans can use their insurance to fully or partially pay for prescriptions, products like sunscreen and vitamins, at-home COVID-19 tests and virtual health care visits, depending on a plan’s coverage.
Using UnitedHealthcare Medical Insurance
To apply your insurance to your eligible Optum Store purchases, take the following steps:
- Visit store.optum.com
- Log in to your Optum Store account. If you don’t have an account yet, click the dropdown menu next to ‘Sign In’ and select ‘Create Account.’
- Click on the dropdown menu next to your name
- Select Payment and provide the requested insurance information
Simple! Some over-the-counter medications and health products are not covered under insurance, but HSA cards and credit cards are also accepted. More info at Optum Store FAQ. For more info on COVID-19 tests, go to at-home testing FAQs.
APPOINTMENTS
MEDICARE
Most Docs Won’t Get More In Medicare Payments
Medicare payments to physicians don’t need to be increased next year, the Medicare Payment Assessment Commission (MedPAC) said in a report to Congress. The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), which represents physician practices, and the American Medical Association are not so happy. MedPAC contends, however, that the data suggests physicians aren’t opting out, which means that the payments must be okay. Read the whole story on MedPage Today.
CLIMATE CHANGE
SEC, Many Advisers Say Climate Change Transparency a Good Thing
The Securities and Exchange Commission this week made available a more than 500-page proposal that for the first time would require companies registered with the agency to disclose how climate risks impact their businesses and how their operations affect the climate. Companies would be compelled to report greenhouse emissions produced by their activities, their energy purchases and by their supply chain. While many companies already provide this info to the public, the SEC’s proposal would mandate the disclosures and help ensure consistent reporting. Aron Szapiro, head of retirement studies and public policy at Morningstar Inc., told InvestmentNews that the proposal is answering a need for environmental information in the financial markets. There is opposition, however. According to InvestmentNews:
Republican SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce tore into the proposal at Monday’s SEC open meeting, reflecting skepticism on the right. Peirce said the proposal bolsters the agenda of climate activists but isn’t grounded in the materiality that has always been the foundation of SEC financial disclosures.
MAY
Register Now for Capitol Summit in Sacramento!
- Meet with state legislators
- Hear from industry thought leaders
- Stay up to date on federal and state efforts
- Share ideas with colleagues — and have some fun!
FINTECH
MDRT Says Most Want Humans + Tech
- 69% of robo-advisor users also report having a human financial advisor.
- 68% of Americans say they use at least one social media platform to learn about finance and investing.
- 52% of human advisor clients say they expect half or more of their meetings with their advisor will be virtual in 2022.
YOUR HEALTH
Venting Doesn’t Work– Sorry
Wanna make people in your life who are emotional superexpressers even more upset? Next time they blow their tops, send them this article about why that whole notion about venting being healthy is simply wrong. Feeling anger or upset and talking about it constructively is helpful, but simply expressing (venting, ranting, raging etc) can be counterproductive even.
PEOPLE
Transamerica Appoints Jamie Ohl as President of Individual Solutions
Transamerica announced the appointment of Jamie Ohl as President of its Individual Solutions division and a member of the Transamerica Management Board, effective March 30, 2022. Ohl replaces Blake Bostwick, who has led Individual Solutions since 2020. Ohl will lead all aspects of Transamerica’s individual life and annuity business lines. In addition, she will lead the growth and expansion of Transamerica’s wholesale and retail distribution for life insurance, annuities, and mutual funds along with the affiliated networks of World Financial Group, Transamerica Agency Network and Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. Ohl will report to Will Fuller, President and CEO of Transamerica.
EVENTS
- LAAHU Annual Symposium, in person, April 26, Pasadena Convention Center. Info here.
- CAHIP’s Capitol Summit, in person, May 9-11, Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, Sacramento. Registration info here. Sponsorship info here.
- NAAIA Spring Career Fair, online, May 24, 11am-1:30pm Pacific, More info here.
- BenefitsPro Broker Expo, in person, May 23-25, 2022, Austin, TX. Request more info here. Register here.
